Key operated switch



Dec. 8, 1953 c. G. CERNA ET AL 2,662,131

KEY OPERATED SWITCH Filed July 19, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 4-1 22 '5 I718 .J I3 53 e2 II 60 1 6| l2. v l

To 30 U STARTER 33 39 I MOTOR i- INVENTORS BY [4 /m m ATTORNEY 1953 c. e. CERNA ET AL 2,662,131

KEY OPERATED SWITCH Filed July 19, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 CITY LIGHTS HEAD LIGHTS INVENTORS mews 5%., eRn A 3:5 Avram'a Ag vnLo @141! m ATTORNEY Dec. 8, 1953 c. a. CERNA ET AL KEY OPERATED SWITCH 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 19, 1951 INVENTORS CARLOS G-mw Camvn J3 Anromo 4 I REVALQ ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 8, 1953 OFF ICE 2,662,131 KEY OPERATED switch Carlos Giron Coma and .lose Antonio Arevalo, Guatemala City, Guatemala Application July 19, 1951, Serial No. zsi'mtze Claims priority, application Guatemala August 1?, 1 950 11 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to multiplex switches, and more particularly to key operated multiplex switches, and to systems for applying key operated multiplex switches to the control of electrical circuits in automotive vehicles.

Briefly, the invention includes a key operated switch having a pair of co-axial cylinders between which are located a plurality of metallic balls, fixed in their circumferential positions with respect to the inner one of the cylinders, which is rotatable with respect to the outer one of the cylinders in response to turning of the key. The inner cylinder is electrically conductive. The outer cylinder is fabricated of non-conductive material, but contains radial contacts extending therethrough at preselected points about the circumference thereof, so that a circuit may be completed between one or more of the contacts and the inner cylinder, via one or more of the metallic balls in accordance with the rotational position of the inner cylinder.

To one of the contacts is connected the posi- 'tive terminal of a source of'potential, say a storage battery, for example, the remaining terminal of which is grounded. When any one of the conductive balls is located under that one of the contacts, accordingly, positive voltage is transmitted to the inner conductive cylinder, and thereby to all the conductive balls. more of the conductive balls which may be in contact with contacts in the outer cylinder then transmit positive voltage to these contacts, and the latter may be connected with appropriate circuits to be controlled,

In a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided one additional pair of contacts, the first of the latter contacts being stationary and the other movably axially of the cylinders above referred to into contact with the first, by axial movement of the key, as distinguished from rotation of the key.

The various circuits which may be controlled by the multiplex switch above briefly described may be utilized to energize various lighting circuits, circuits for energizing accessories such as radio, horn or the like, ignition circuits, and circuits for unlocking various normally locked cover plates, on the automotive vehicle, such as a cover plate for providin access to a gasoline tank.

We have provided multiplex switch structure of particularly simple character, composed of separate elements capable of being rapidly and simply assembled to form a complete switch structure. The basic concept on which the switch Any one or wherein:

2 is based, on the other hand, enables extremely flexible-selective energization of a multiplicity of discrete electrical circuits in various "desired oom- 'bin'atio'ns.

It is, accordingly, an object of the present invention to provide a novel multiplex switch.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel multiplex switch which is operable in res onse to selective rotation and to translation of a key.

It is another object of the invention to provide a multiplex switch capable of selective closure or various combinations or electrical circuits, in response to selective actuation of a single control member, which maybe, specifically, a key. Still another "object of the invention resides in the provision of a multiplex 'sw-i'tchconsi'sting of an easily assembled group of pro-fabricated parts, each of extremely simple character, per se.

Still a further object of the invention resides in the provision of a multiplex switch having two concentric cylinders, relatively rotatable, one of which is conductive, and the other of which is noh cohdu'ctive but contains circumferentially spaced contacts extending radially therethrough, and a plurality of conductive extensions carried by the conductive cylinder and rotatable therewith, into contact with various ones of the faircumferentially spaced "contacts selected in accordance with the rotated position of the retatable cylinder.

The above and still further features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of a specific embodimerit of the invention, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 isa view front elevation of a device in accordance with the invention} Figure 2 is a transverse section taken on the line 2-4 or Fig-are 1,

v Figure 3 is an exploded View, in transverse Section oh the line 2 2 or Figure 1, and corresponding generally with Figure 2;

Figures 4,5 and 6 are views in front ieyatien or various or the elements of Figure 3;

Figures 7510 inclusive are views in transverse cross section taken on the line |I of Figure 2,

showing various operative positions of the switch structure of the invention;

Figure 11 is a functional circuit diagram of the invention as applied in an automotive vehicle,

' with the switch structure in one of its positions;

Figure l -2 illustrates in perspective a solenoid operated latch release as applied to a motor cover; and

Figure 13 illustrates in side elevation a solenoid operated latch release as applied to a further cover.

Referring now more specifically to the accompanying dravrings, the reference numeral I6 identifie generally a key operated switch, shown in Figure 2 with key I I inserted in a lock I2. The character of the lock, per se, forms no part of the invention, but comprises generally a cylindrical tube I3, having internally thereof various protuberances and conformations l4 such that only a properly shaped key may be capable of insertion in the lock. The cylindrical tube I3 may be secured within a hollow cylindrical member I5, which is externally threaded. by means of a cover plate I6. A pair of nuts I! and I8 may threadedly engage the external threads of cylindrical member I5, and may serve to secure the cylindrical member I5, and thereby the lock and switch structure, to a suitably apertured wall (not shown).

The cylinder I3 may be co-extensive with the cylinder I5, and fit snugly therein, but is rotatable with respect thereto. The cylinder I3 may be provided with an extension I9 of rectangular cross-section, having therein an axial aperture 29 of reduced diameter, through which may extend a pin 2 I, capable of sliding in the aperture 20.

An annular member 22 is provided, which is fabricated of insulating material, and which is internally threaded so that it may threadedly engage the cylinder I5. In assembled relation, with the cylinder I3 internally of the cylinder I5, and with the annular member 22 threadedly engaging the cylinder I5, the arrangement is made such, as viewed in Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings, that the end wall 22 of the cylinder I is flush with the shoulder 23 of the cylinder I3 and with the wall 25 of the annular member 22. Accordingly, the extension I9 extends to the left, as seen in Figures 2 and 3, beyond the end wall 22, the shoulder 23 and the wall 25.

There is further provided a member 26 having an internal rectangular aperture 21 adapted to be force fitted to the extension I9, so that the member 26 is forced to rotate when the cylinder I3 rotates in response to rotation of the key II. The member 26 is generally of square transverse cross-section and has a thickness equal to the length of the extension l9.

Two further members 29 and 39 are provided,

which have generally circular transverse crosssection, and of very substantially smaller diameters than the diameter of the annular member 22. The members 29 and 30 are provided with square openings, centered on the axis of the members, and having such sizes that the members 29 and 30 may nest on the member 26. To this end the combined thicknesses of the members 29 and 36 is equal to the thickness of the member 26. It follows that any rotation of the member 26 is response to rotation of the key II will be accompanied by corresponding simultaneous rotation of the members 29 and 30.

The members 29 and 39 are provided each with an annular groove, as 3| and 32, of equal diameter and thickness in each of the members 29 and 30, within which is placed a metallic spring 33, in the form of a thin cylinder having a break at 34. The spring 33 is so constructed and arranged that it must be slightly compressed in order to be inserted in the annular groove 3|, 32, in order that it may apply force in a direction radially outward against the walls of the grooves, and in assembled relation the members 29 and 36 are placed on the member 26, with their adjoining walls in close contact, and with the spring 33 in the annular grooves 3|, 32.

The members 29 and 36 are further provided with radial grooves of semi-circular gross-section, in their outer walls, extending radially from their outer walls 2 along respectively adjoining walls of the members 29 and 39, the grooves being so shaped and formed as to provide, when the members 29 and 39 are in contact in the assembled condition of the switch, radial apertures of circular cross-section which extend to the annular grooves 3|. Within each of these radial apertures is located a small metallic ball, as for example ball 31, each of which rests on the spring member 33. There are utilized in all four balls, and, accordingly, there are provided four axial apertures, which, in Figure 5, are numbered 40, 4 I, 42, 43, respectively. It will be noticed that the apertures are not uniformly spaced about the circumference of the members 29, 36, and it may be stated that while the spacing of the apertures may be varied in accordance with the desired operation of a switch arranged in accordance with the principles of the present invention, for any desired mode of operation the relative spacing of the apertures is important.

There is provided an additional member of generally circular transverse cross-section, numbered 44, and having a maximum outer diameter equal to the outer diameter of the member of the cylindrical member 22. The member 44 is provided with an axial cylindrical recess 45, within which may nest the members 29 and 30, with suificient play to permit relative rotation, and a plurality of cylindrical apertures may extend radially therefrom, these being numbered 46 to 5|, inclusive, and extending radially from the outer diameter of the member 46 to the recess 45.

It will be seen from Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings, that the radial apertures 46 to 5|, inclusive, are not uniformly spaced about the circumference of the member 44, and it will appear as the description proceeds that the spacing of the apertures 46 to 5| bears a definite relation to the spacing of the apertures 49 to 43, inclusive, of the member 36. Within each of the apertures 46 to 5|, inclusive, extends a metallic contact member or pin, as 52 to 51, and the member 44 being itself of insulating material, the contacts 52 to 51 are mutually insulated. The member 44 is arranged to remain stationary during rotation of members 29, 36, in response to rotation of key Various balls, as 31, are arranged to rotate within the circular recess during rotation of the members 29 and 39 in response to the rotation of key II, being pressed against the inner cylindrical wall of the recess by the cylindrical spring 33. Accordingly, when any ball comes in contact with any one of contacts 52 to 52', inclusive, firm electrical contact is made between the contact and the ball, and thereby with the spring 33. If voltage is applied, for example, to contact 52, that voltage will be transmitted to the spring 33 when the contact 52 is in contact with any one of the four balls, and from the spring will be transmitted to the remaining balls. If, then, any one of the remaining balls is in contact with any One of the remaining contacts, as 53 to 51, inclusive, the positive voltage applied to the contact 52 will be transferred to those particular contacts. All the con which maybe secured to the lateral Wall by means of a nut 6i, the bolt to then providing ah electrical contact. To the pin 2! is secures a-s'rh'a'll piston 62, which is capable of translation within the recess to, and which serves dur n such tran lation to center the pin '2 i. A helical spring 63 is provided between the ihnerwall of the recess 58 and the piston 82, which tends to press the piston 62 to the right, as seenlri Figure 3 am thereby to maintain separation between the of the bolt on and the pintl. T e pin 2 a eaten-cs, as has been explained heretofore, throughthe aperture 20 in the shoulder l9, and into the hollow cylinder [3. Accordingly, the key I} maybe pressed axially of the cylinder 13, thereby to actuate the pin 2! against the force exerted by the helical spring '53 and into contact with the head of the voltage 60. When this occurs an afdilitiorial circuit is closed in the switch structure, which may he used to contact a starter or" a rhotor vehicle, asshotvn in Figure 2.

In Figures 7 to 11, inclusive, is illustrated vari ous positions of the switch structure, in respohse to various rotations of the key ll.

Referring first to Figure 11 or" the accompany in'g drawings, there is hown in' cross-section the member 44, and extending radially thei'etl'ir'ough the various contacts 52 to 51, inclusive. It will be noted that the contact 52 is cohi' cted to the positive terminal of a battery Hi, the negative terminal of which is grounded. The contact 53 is connected by means of a lead H to the lamp bulbs 12, which may serve for example, for city driving. The contact 54 is connected by a lead 13 to lamps M, which may be used as road driving headlights. Contact 56 is connected by alead 15 to lamps '35, which may be located at the rear of the automotive vehicle. The contact 5? is con nected by a lead TI to various accessories in the automotive vehicie, for example, the radio receiver and the horn, and may also control the ignition circuit. The contact 55 is connected by a lead 8| to a solenoid 82, which may serve torelease the motor cover of the automotive vehicle, while the same contact efi maybe connected by lead 83 to a further solenoid 85, which may serve to release the normally locked gas tank cover of the automotive vehicle.

The various electrically operated components of the vehicle, which are controlled loythe switch, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention herein disclosed, are obviously matters of choice; Separate contacts may; for example, be provided for the ignition circuit for the various solenoids, and for the various lamp circuits, or any desired combination of these may be controlled from a single contact.

In the position shown in Figure 11 of the accompanying drawings, it will be seen that no one of the conductive balls is located in contact with the contact 52, and accordingly that the battery 18 is completely isolated from all the circuits there illustrated. Accordingly, in the position shown in Figure 11 the switch is entirely inactive, and no circuits are energized. It will be seen '6 that tor caution the hey is vertical; or has not been subjected to rotation.

Th li'ey may be ti ir so slightly oo'uhtez t'aloekwisei roughly to ah engie or 30%; which time the ball 31 may he @laced-ihhehtatfivith the db?!- tact pin 52, conveying sositiv'e potent-a1 to the spring 33.

For putpose of convnien'eein reference the three balls in addition to the hall =31 will test-mbered respectively 85, 8t, 8L

With the ball 3! in contact with the contest sin .52 the ball 8t is in contact with the contact "pin 55, and the remaining Balls '85 and '8 are not 1h contact with any pins It follows that fiesitive potential is conveyed to "the oontaet tih '55, and since this pin is'con ettes he leads 8! and 83 to the solenoids 82 and 83, these are eneliid and the gas tank cover plate has the motor otter plate are released. No other circhits are, 136wev'er, energized.

The key I I may be rotated counterwlockwis a further distance, asprt ihlately to ahgl 45". In this position the ball 31 remains in contact with the pin 52 despite the fact that it has been displaced through 551 angle or a presimateiy 15 degree since th e is provided a conductive ifise't extension or the pin 5-2 the inner wall or the recess 45, that recess seine numbered st, and having therein a slight el'efiressiori for receiving the ball 37. Accordingly; the iis'itio'n or the key corresponding with "the illiisti a ioii provides Figure 8) positive potential from the battery I is applied to the spring t3, an thereby to the rernaining' ones of the balls; but in this position the ten 86 is no longer ih contact with the pin 55, but on the other hand the ball 81 has been brought into cofltat with the falh 57; virtue of a metallic iite'iis'iiii '39 6? the pin 5?, which is prov-ideal with a sliht oesressiohedahted to receive the hall 83. Acofdingly; the contact pin 5? is energizes, and thereby power is conveyed to the ighitioi'i system the i'adio F8, and the horn is, the fefr'iai-fiihg ii hits of the automotive vehicle remaining unfii'sifid.

In Figure 9 is illustrated the internal arrange- "ment of the contaet balls for a. rotation of the key ll approximately 45 to the right. in this postties the ball 81 in contact with the recess d extension 88 of the pin 72. T ereby, again, the spring member 33 conveys positive potential from the battery t to the remaining ct-i tact balls. The ball 31 is new in contact with the Contact pin 53, while the ball 85 is in contact with a rer ssed extension 95, of the pin 56, and the ball 86 is i'fi'oontact with the contact pin 5?. Ac orslneiy, for this position of the key pins 53. 55 has 5! receive positive potential from the battery 10, and accordingly, the city lights '52, t e r ar lig ts is, and the accessory system containing more it, horn is, ai'id ignition at, of all simultaneously enersiged.

Iri Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings, the key I I has been tui'hedcliicliwise through an additional small aheie w th respect te the position it had in Figure 9 er the accompanying drawings. Ball 813s not directly in contact with the contact Din 52 rather than with the recessed iitension 88, thereof,- b inging the hell 3? into con" tact with the pin 5A, the ball directly into con tact with the pin 56, and the ball 86 into contact with a recessed extension of the pin 51. Accordingly, potential is conveyed from the battery it to the pins 54, 55 and 51, thereby energizing the headlights 14, the rear lights I6, and the acces- -sories consistingof the radio 18, the horn JQ and the ignition 80.

i It is now apparent, that, by virtue of the nonuniform spacing of the balls 31, 85, 86, $1, and of the pins 52 to 51, inclusive, that groups of circuits may be selectively energized for various positions of rotation of the inner cylinder 29, 30, in response to rotation of the key ll. Clearly, Within the principles of the invention, additional contact balls and pins may be provided, as Well as additional contact pins, as 52-51, and the spacings of each of these may be varied, to provide desired combinations of circuit control.

Referring now to Figures 12 and 13 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown the structures of solenoid operated latches for releasing the motor cover plate and the gas tank fill-pipe cover plate, in response to energization of the present switch.

In Figure 12 is illustrated the solenoid 82, for

actuating a latch for an engine cover plate 06, to the inside wall of which is secured a U-shaped bracket 3 l The solenoid 82 is secured to one arm 93 of a bracket 92, which is itself secured to the frame of the vehicle. The solenoid serves, when energized, to actuate an armature 94, against the pressure supplied by a helical spring 35. The armature 94 is in the form of an elongated pin, and extends through a latch-hook 95, normally hooked over the U-shaped bracket 9 I The latchhook S6 is secured to a pin 9?, which serves as a pivot for the latch hook 96, and a helical spring 98 is provided, secured at one end to pin 91, and at its other end to latch-hook 95. The helical spring 98 is biased to tend to latch the latchhook 96.

When the solenoid is energized, however, the pin 8-; is withdrawn, and releases the latch-hook $6 for pivoting in unlatching relation to the bracket 9|. Unlatching may be accomplished by means of the finger or by any elongated tool, such as a screw driver, inserted through an appropriate opening. It is found convenient, how ever, to supply a permanently available actuating rod, as 59, secured to latch s6, and extending which leads to the gas tank, thereby preventing unauthorized access thereto. The cover plate I00 is pivoted at point H32, and held by a latchhook :78, which secures a bracket SI, secured to the COVGr plate I00. Since the parts of the latchrelease are identical in the Figures 12 and 13,;

identical numerals of reference are employed, and further specific description dispensed with.

While we have illustrated and described one specific embodiment of the present invention, it will be realized that variations of arrangement and details may be resorted to without departing from the true spirit of the invention as delined in the appended claims.

What we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. A multiplex switch comprising a cylindrical structure having a plurality of relatively circumierentially displaced axial apertures, a metallic ball contained in each of said apertures, a single spring for resiliently pressing all of said balls outwardly of the apertures containing the balls, a further insulating structure comprising a cylindrical recess having a wall of circular cross section of diameter substantially equal to the diameter of said cylindrical structure and a height ade- 'quate to receive said cylindrical structure in said recess, a plurality of contact pins extending axially into said recess through said wall of circular cross section, means for rotating said cylindrical structure relative to said further insulating structure to preselected relative positions, selectively to make contact between said balls and said pins.

2. A multiplex switch comprising an insulating structure of cylindrical transverse cross section having a first axial recess of greater diameter and a second axial recess of lesser diameter, and an axial aperture extending entirely therethrough, a metallic pin passing through said axial aperture, a metallic piston contained within said second axial recess, and a helical spring in said recess for normally spring pressing said piston out of contact with said pin, a cylindrical rotatable structure in said axial recess of greater diameter, said cylindrical rotatable structure comprising a plurality of axial apertures, a contact member in each of said axial apertures, a single sprin for resiliently pressing all said contact members outwardly of said axial apertures, and a plurality of contacts fixed to said insulating structure for selective contact with said contact members.

3. A multiplex switch comprising a first cylinder having a first plurality of at least three contacts arranged in non-uniform spacing about its periphery, a second cylinder having at least three second contacts arranged in non-uniform spacing about its periphery, means for relatively rotating said first and second cylinders, one of said first plurality of contacts being an input contact, a plurality of independent circuits connected respectively to the remainder of said first plurality of contacts a conducting path, electrically interconnecting all said second contacts, and means for relatively positioning said first plurality of contacts and said second contacts for selective contact therebetween during relative rotation thereof by said means for relatively rotating.

4. A multiplex switch, comprising, a stationary cylindrical annulus having a plurality of at least three first contacts extending radially therethrough, said contacts distributed non-uniformly about said cylindrical annulus, a cylinder located internally of said cylindrical annulus and rotatable with respect thereto, at least three rolling contacts secured at fixed positions along the periphery of said cylinder, said fixed positions non-uniformly spaced, and a conducting path electrically interconnecting all said rolling contacts, said rolling contacts positioned for selective contact with different ones of said first contacts as a function of different rotational positions during rotation of said cylinder.

5. A multiplex switch, comprising, a stationary cylindrical annulus having a plurality of at least three first contacts at the inner periphery thereof, said first contacts non-uniformly spaced about said inner periphery, a further cylindrical structure located internally of said cylindrical annulus and rotatable with respect thereto, at least three rolling ball contacts secured at fixed positions along the periphery of said cylindrical structure, said fixed positions non-uniformly spaced, and means comprising a conducting path electrically interconnecting all said rolling ball contacts, said rolling ball contact positioned for selective contact with different selected. ones only of said first contacts as a function of different rotational positions of said further cylindrical structure.

6. In a multiplex lock, a first cylinder of insulating material, a second cylinder adjacent said first cylinder and concentric therewith, a plurality of at least three contacts secured to said first cylinder in non-uniform spacing about a circular path, at least three further contacts secured to said second cylinder in non-uniform spacing about said circular path, a conductive path electrically interconnecting all said further contacts, and means for relatively rotating said first and second cylinders the spacings of said first mentioned contacts and of said further contacts about said circular path being substantially different.

7. The combination in accordance with claim 6 wherein said first cylinder peripherally surrounds said second cylinder.

8. The combination in accordance with claim 7 wherein said second cylinder comprises an annular structure having a plurality of radially extending peripheral receptacles, said further contacts consisting of metallic balls retained within said receptacles and free to rotate therein.

9. In a multiplex switch, a first cylinder of insulating material having an annular wall, a plurality of electrical contacts extending radially entirely through said annular wall, said electrical contacts non-uniformly spaced about said annular wall, a second cylindrical structure nesting internally of said annular wall and rotatable with respect thereto, at least three radially extending receptacles located peripherally in said second cylindrical structure and non-uniformly spaced about the periphery of said second cylindrical structure, a metallic ball freely supported in each of said radially extending receptacles, a cylindrical metallic spring secured to said second cylindrical structure and arranged and constructed to press said metallic balls outwardly of said receptacles while maintaining an electrically conductive path therebetween, said metallic balls extending in the path of said contacts.

10. The combination in accordance with claim 9 wherein is further provided a pair of spring separated contacts located and separated axially of said second cylindrical structure, rotatable key operated means for rotating said second cylindrical structure, said pair of spring separated contacts actuable into contact in response to axial motion of said key.

11. In a multiplex switch. a first plurality of at least three non-uniformly spaced contacts, at least three second non-uniformly spaced contacts, means for relatively moving said first plurality of contacts and said second contacts in a single path, means for applying voltage to one of said first plurality of contacts, means for connecting load circuits to the remainder of said first plurality of contacts, and a conductive path electrically interconnecting all said second contacts, the spacings between contacts of each of said first plurality of contacts and said at least three contacts such that difierent combinations of contact pairs are made for different relative positions of said contacts along said path.

CARLOS GIRON CERNA. JosE' ANTONIO AREVALO.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,591,646 Schaefer July 6, 1926 1,828,747 Perry Oct. 27,1937 2,201,881 Bryant May 21, 1940 2,546,744 Hasselbaum Mar. 27, 1951 

